2024
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd
REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Contents
| Contents | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the period to 31 March 2024 | 2 |
| Trustees’ Report | 3 |
| Donations in kind and volunteers | 20 |
| Financial Review | 22 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 25 |
| Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024 | 26 |
1 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the period to 31 March 2024
Registered Charity Number 1112990 Company number 05564192 Principal Office: Woodhouse Park Family Centre 7 Stoneacre Road Wythenshawe Manchester M22 1BP
Trustees at the date this report was approved Christine Greenhalgh (Chair) Sarah Lynch Jonathan Rudd Micheal Clare Sruthi Vepa Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Barclays Bank plc
Independent Examiner J Bate FCCA 74 Ashton Road Woodhouses Failsworth Manchester M35 9WL
2 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Trustees’ Report
The Trustees, two of whom are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report together with the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements of a Directors’ Report and Accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).
Trustees
The Trustees who served throughout the year and at the date of this report are listed on page 2.
Structure Governance and Management
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are the directors named on page 1. In the event of the Company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Company. The Charity’s governance arrangements and structure are set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Trustees are the Management Committee, which comprises the Chairperson, the Treasurer and the other trustees as listed on page 1. New Trustees are recruited from a range of groups including user groups and other interested members of the local community including professional people who come into contact with us, employees, ex-employees and representatives of the United Reformed Church, from which organisation we lease our premises.
The major risks to which the Charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed and systems, procedures and initiatives to manage those risks have been established, or are presently being considered, by the Trustees.
Objectives and Activities
The principal objectives of the Charity are:
1) Alleviating the hardship and distress of children resident in the area of benefit, caused by the break-up of marriage and family and to preserve and protect their good mental and physical health by providing and maintaining a centre and facilities.
3 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
2) Advancing the education of the public and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life of those persons.
3) Relieving poverty, in particular by the provision of advice, information and support.
The Charity operates in Woodhouse Park in particular and the district of Wythenshawe in general.
We have had due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in compliance with its duties under section 4 of the Charities Act 2006. The guidance sets out two key principles:
The organisation must have an identifiable benefit.
The benefit must be to the public or section of the public.
We confirm that we meet these requirements.
4 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Some highlights of the year….
Promoting the Centre at regular GRUB festivals in Wythenshawe Town Centre
Centre Manager Clare and Chair Christine celebrating the work of students from Manchester Business School, who carried out an impact report on the work of the Centre for one of their MBA modules.
Centre Manager Clare invited to lunch with the Lord Mayor to recognize the work the Family Centre does in the Community.
Our Family Easter Extravaganza, supported by the MSP team at Costain
5 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Family Support – Bright Futures
The Headlines
----- Start of picture text -----
80% children
35 families showed 22agencies
supported improved
worked with
emotional
----- End of picture text -----
The story
In 2023 we have worked with a further 15 families, along with our usual offer available for previous families to access support, parent groups, and other services at the family centre. We have successfully delivered 12 months of a weekly play intervention to the children referred into the service. We again delivered the programme to 2 groups which have been running each week for primary school aged children 5-7 and 8-11. These children have been predominantly referred by school and the early help assessment team. We have continued with weekly parent groups such as coffee meet ups, fitness sessions, walks and parent support group. \
Bright Futures has taken the families on some amazing trips this year including Southport, Alton towers, a weekend away in the countryside, CAFT
farm, Manchester art gallery, Manchester Museum, trampolining, Christmas markets, along with other workshops on offer through other services and charities. We treated the parents to a lovely relaxing day at a local spa which included treatments and lunch, this was to enhance our offer around health and wellbeing and to introduce the idea of weekly fitness sessions as we use the spa at the gym facility which is then on offer weekly for parents. The gym and swim sessions are also available to Bright Future families in the half terms. We have ended on a high celebrating a year of hard work and ‘bright futures’ to look forward to, with our annual Christmas graduation party.
6 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Bright Futures continues to link in with many of the local services and groups such as:
-
social care and early help assessment team
-
schools
-
mental health services
-
charities
-
local support groups
-
Local Gym
We have linked in with groups such as local SEND groups, the Local Offer, social activities, SafeSpots, foodbanks, yoga sessions, parent carer forum events, parent training opportunities, and workshops on offer for example the women’s group, book club, and art group at the Forum library. Bright Futures links in with already existing groups and then facilitates and encourages the parents to participate with things going on locally, as well as, offering support groups specifically for Bright Future families which include our weekly coffee and walk, fitness session, and parent support group. We also offer a WhatsApp support group and Facebook page where we share ideas, discuss topics, and we A NN a ee can share support/resources as well as what is going on at the centre with our other services such as playgroup, afterschool club and play scheme.
We tailor the support around the presenting needs. When there are common themes, Bright Futures aims to then deliver work, provide groups, offer workshops,
and trips around that need. A theme which is appearing more is around families struggling with the cost-of-living crises, whereas last year, it was more around SEND. Therefore, we will ensure we connect with the relevant service to then provide high quality support around this need for the families using the centre. This highlights that
7 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
we are adaptive, and needs led. The staff that work on after school club who also support the running of the bright futures play intervention sit down weekly with the bright future coordinator so that we can create a bespoke play intervention based on what the group of children need to understand/learn most and so this element of the work can be interchangeable.
The Difference we made
We collated information using an impact data tool. We asked all parents to
complete the questionnaire at the start of working with Bright Futures, and Acceptance y Substance use again at the end. This impact survey asks questions relating to Humor IV, Use of coping strategies and resilience. The below Planning Use of instrumental data shows an overall improvement after Positive reframing Behavioral disengagement working with Bright Venting Futures for 12 months. Parents appear to be actively coping with their situation and using support more efficiently.
8 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Early Years – Stepping Stones Pre-school Playgroup
----- Start of picture text -----
The Headlines
18% children
have English as
an additional
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
38%
Children with
SEND
----- End of picture text -----
The Story
Summer Term
We took part in Beep Beep! Day which focuses on road safety. We have made traffic lights and stop and go signs and the children have seemed to really understand what to do at roads. We went on a trip to see the traffic lights and to practice what to do. We also learned the importance of using seatbelts when we are in the car and even learned a rhyme to sing about putting your seatbelt on. We tried oranges, lemons and limes, we used lots of descriptive words like sour and tangy, this also helped with the children's fine motor skills.
We learned all about Eid the children drew round their hands, they then looked at some traditional henna patterns and then recreated this on their handprints. We tried some snacks that are eaten on Eid and also tried dates which are commonly used to break fast during Ramadan.
One of our learning intentions for the term was diversity so we looked at our appearances. We used mirrors to look at our eye and hair colour and made charts, we then counted how many were in each group. We used a tape measure to see how tall we were and used terminology such as “taller than and smaller than.” As we got closer to the end of term we went on a trip to a local primary school where some of them will be going, we also got to practice our road safety skills on the way.
We also started to teach the children sign language. The children understood that the sign language is to help the children in our setting who don’t have any words yet communicate with us.
In July we were sad to say goodbye to most of the children, who were moving on to ‘big’ school.
9 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Autumn Term
September saw the start of a new cohort of children. They all settled really well and had lots of new experiences. They have been involved in lots of messy play, meeting new friends, following a : a ee “4 Ay tet routine. One parent commented, “she’s doing so well I ef) \ oe®D bre> (>* am = can’t believe how much she enjoys coming”. Boeri & ww , Ein Sj aa Fa >a it es \ We took the children on walks round the local area. They really enjoyed being out and about and looking e\@ 8 r . at all the different things they could see. They got to t) r) see lots of animals, including a cat and a fox.
This was able to link with our road safety week as we kept repeating on each walk “stop, look left and right listen” then “no cars we can cross”. Some of the older children understood this and would say “no cars” when they could see it was clear. We also created stop and go signs and traffic lights to use in session.
Spring Term
We had a lovely World Book day where we came dressed in our cosy PJs and brought our favourite books. We enjoyed playing in our ‘library ‘and using the keyboard to check the books out. Story time is a favourite and the book “Dear Zoo” was a big hit, we liked doing the actions to each page. Each child also left with a brand new story to read at home.
We went on a trip to explore the airport, we used two modes of transport, the tram and the bus. The children loved this. They enjoyed using the escalator which some children had never used before.
Getting together a food parcel for a family struggling
Preschool had the best time meeting the Easter bunny today thanks to Summer’s mission They also enjoyed decorating gingerbread men and taking part in a Easter egg hunt! Thank you so much to Summer and Rachel!
The Difference we make
We have received the end of year evaluations from parents/carers and the comments have all been extremely positive. When asked to rate the overall quality of the experience 100% of parents rated us Excellent.
Here are some of the comments we received……
10 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
“P has progressed in so many ways but the most progression has been with her confidence and independence”
- “The staff at Stepping Stones are kind and caring, not just because it’s their job, but because they genuinely care”
“I have always felt my child is safe, they are in the care of wonderful,
caring, loving staff that go above and beyond for all the children and families”
- “It has given her the independence she will need at school and helped her to learn to make new friends.”
“Stepping Stones provides a routine and structure to my child’s day. This routine helps them to feel more confident and secure”
- “We have seen great improvement in E even though he only started in the last month. He is showing great enthusiasm in getting ready to nursery”
11 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Early Years - Willowbank Homeless Refuge Creche
The Headlines
----- Start of picture text -----
19 3 500
Children
Refuges Hours of
attended
supported creche
----- End of picture text -----
The story
April
This month, our stay-and-play session was a huge success, with parents actively engaging in painting and creating hand and footprints with their children. It was heartwarming to see everyone having fun together. Our babies have grown more comfortable with us, greeting us with smiles each morning. Their development is progressing well, with some babies starting to sit up, explore the jumperoo, and use baby walkers, enhancing their gross motor skills. As they are getting older and teething, we introduced toothbrushing, which the toddlers enjoy after snack time.
We also started a stay-and-play session at the Holiday Inn for refugee families. These sessions have been well-received, with children enthusiastically playing and interacting while parents appreciate the space. Seeing the positive impact has been incredibly rewarding.
May
The mums are gaining confidence in leaving their babies in the crèche, which is wonderful given the trust issues some initially faced. With warmer weather, we’ve been enjoying outdoor play—riding bikes and scooters, playing in the sandpit, and taking trips to the park. The children loved the swings, slides, and open space for running, and we had a delightful picnic in the park’s picnic area.
June
To prepare for the summer holidays, we adjusted the schedule to accommodate school-age children with age-appropriate activities. Outdoor messy play has been a highlight, and we took the toddlers on a trip to Wythenshawe Park Farm. The children were thrilled to see the animals and enjoyed a picnic lunch.
July
We began weaning the babies this month, introducing them to various foods, which they’ve enjoyed. The babies are also starting to recognize and interact with one another. With the toddlers, we planted fruit, vegetables, and sunflowers in the
12 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
greenhouse. Outdoor messy play continued, with painting, gloop activities, and picnic lunches in the sunshine.
August
The school holidays kept us busy with the older children. Activities included movie days with nachos and popcorn, making sensory bottles, decorating cakes, crafting playdough, and creating personalized waffles. The children also enjoyed board games, painting, and outdoor play, especially riding scooters. We gifted a bike to a child whose family couldn’t afford one, and her excitement to learn to ride was heartwarming.
September
We prepared for autumn with crèche displays. The children made handprint leaves for our autumn tree and enjoyed messy painting sessions. Older children made pancakes, choosing their toppings, and painted magnets to take home. One mum expressed deep gratitude for our support during a difficult time, while another shared that she didn’t know what she’d do without us.
October
The crèche was transformed for Halloween with decorations and activities like pumpkin carving and Halloween crafts. These were displayed in the reception area, brightening the space. We squeezed in a few park trips before winter and celebrated older children starting school, which brought excitement and joy. A parent who communicates via Google Translate gave positive feedback, expressing her happiness with our efforts.
November
We introduced new snack options this month to explore the children’s preferences and trialed session handover books to keep parents informed about their children’s activities. For Remembrance Day, the children created handprint poppies and crafts, which we displayed outside the crèche to make the space more colorful and welcoming.
December
We celebrated Christmas with craft days for toddlers and older children, creating cards, cupcakes, and personalized decorations. A trip to the Sealife Centre, made possible by donated tickets, allowed the children to see sea creatures up close, with highlights including touching starfish. Generous toy donations from Manchester Airport brightened Christmas for the children.
February
Valentine’s Day inspired arts and crafts, adding to our hallway display. Some little ones are now understanding painting and coloring, producing many creative pieces. During the school holidays, older children enjoyed making pizzas and pancakes and requested a picnic dinner, which they loved. Although we said goodbye to one family moving to a new home, a new parent remarked how happy the children always look in the crèche.
13 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
March
With Easter approaching, we began themed activities and displayed the children’s creations in the hallway. The warmer weather allowed for more outdoor play with bikes and the sandpit. The younger children are embracing edible messy play and painting activities, showing growing enthusiasm. This month’s stay-and-play had only one attendee, but the parent shared how much she and her child enjoyed the session.
The Impact
One of our parents gave us good feedback by telling us “she will miss our service when she leaves the building and her child is always happy to come to creche and has made big improvements with development since being with us” this feedback makes us proud and happy with our workplace
We stayed later to look after 2 children as their dad was being arrested and we wanted to shelter the children from this as it could have been really upsetting for them to witness this. As always the children’s safety wellbeing is our main priority.
This past 2 weeks some of our families 3 of them which is 4 of our children will be moving on to there forever homes this is always amazing news for the family but sad as we have say goodbye to the children we wish them the best of luck �
One of our new parents approached us just to say how well her children have settled in well she appreciates us so much the children don’t stop speaking about creche an how much they love doing things with us.
14 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Play – After-School Club & Playscheme
The headlines
175 4520
----- Start of picture text -----
35%
4520
children and their
Attendances at regular attendees
families helped
our sessions with SEND
----- End of picture text -----
April/May
The Easter Playscheme was a major highlight. Children had a fantastic time making clay sculptures, playdough, hammer beads, and bracelets. Activities like bug hunts, football tournaments, and crafts kept everyone engaged. Many parents reached out asking for more places as their children loved it so aw much. Some children from Bright Futures joined and have since started attending the afterschool [7 2 q Le 5 club too. A ty)
Each day, we provided home-cooked meals, with a pitta pizzas being a clear favourite as the children "ya enjoyed making their own. At the afterschool club, we celebrated Eid by sampling traditional snacks and creating henna designs. In May, we made the most of the warm weather and celebrated the King’s Coronation.
June
Highlights included water play with sprinklers, spray bottles, and water bombs during parachute games. The sunny days were filled with outdoor fun. The mud kitchen was a hit as children pretended to run cafes and created their own recipes. We got creative with junk modeling, making cat houses and boba tea cups.
Bug hunting has also been popular, with our overgrown garden offering the perfect hiding spots for insects.
Afterschool Club Council:
-
What they enjoyed this month: Basketball, mother’s meetings, and Hama beads.
-
What they’d like next month: A trip to McDonald’s, a room for mother’s meetings, stop-and-go signs, and helping cook dinners.
-
Good news story: Sophia got the yellow jumper at school!
August
The summer playscheme was another highlight. The new loose parts corner allowed the children to build rollercoasters and a full fairground. An England Women’s football team scavenger hunt was a favourite, sparking discussions about the players. Warm weather activities included making ice creams, and a pizza party wrapped up the holidays.
15 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
We had a special visit from “Bussy McBusface,” a sensory minibus donated by Westfield Minibuses, which the children loved exploring.
September
The new term kicked off with Roald Dahl Week. The children collected golden tickets, made masks inspired by his books, and played bingo with characters from
his stories. Ice cream was the prize for the winning groups. We welcomed many new starters, alongside returning children, and celebrated Manchester’s bid to become a UNICEF Child-Friendly City by participating in consultations. One child’s mum has started volunteering weekly, helping with cooking, which has been a great support.
October
Our Halloween party included bingo, a Halloween hunt, and touchy prize boxes. We also ran an art club where the children carved pumpkins and made Halloween decorations, which were displayed at the party. Given its success, we’re planning similar events for Christmas.
Funding for afterschool club dinners runs out in March, so we asked for food donations via Facebook. The response was fantastic, with plenty of contributions to stretch our resources further.
November/December
World Diabetes Day was an opportunity to educate the children about the condition. Many were surprised to learn that Type 1 diabetes is unrelated to lifestyle choices. We also celebrated Diwali by creating a Rangoli wall and crafting clay tea light holders.
For Remembrance Day, the children made playdough poppies. A work experience student helped build relationships with children needing additional support, which was a big success. We also celebrated Bonfire Night by making chocolate sparklers from breadsticks, chocolate, and sprinkles.
January–March
Our Monday play support sessions have been going well. Children love sharing how they feel, and Time to Talk Day gave us a chance to emphasize the importance of open communication. We created postcards with alternative responses to "I’m fine" and played a game describing emotions and related experiences.
For International Women’s Day, the children learned about inspirational women and created a display. They participated in a scavenger hunt, matching photos of these women to the display.
We also launched the Benchill Afterschool Club, which has seen high attendance and enthusiastic participation. This term ended with an Easter egg hunt and Easter treats, which the children thoroughly enjoyed.
The difference we made
Teaching children skills for life is something we feel really passionate about. We instil this daily into our sessions. The children put their own leftover food into the food bins, wash their own pots, learn about recycling, we have even taught some of them
16 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
how to put the washing machine on and they help us hang the washing around the centre.
We make sure to always provide a secure and safe space for the children. This is shown in how comfortable they feel at our centre and many children call it their second home. We make sure the children always have time to chat with any of the staff if they need to. We know them so well we can recognize when a child needs some extra support that day.
As always, the afterschool club council have monthly meetings and will go around and ask the children what they have enjoyed this month and what could be better next month. We then incorporate this into the planning. They also get a say in what dinners they have each session which they love.
The progress we are making on the play support sessions is great, the children have formed good bonds with each other. We have done sessions relating to emotions, anxiety, friendships, worries and transitions to different
classes/schools. The children
really enjoy being able to learn about these subjects in a safe environment. One child said “this is better then school because I trust everybody”
We have a real mix of children from different schools attending sessions and so children are making lots of new friends with people they might not otherwise meet. We love to see how welcoming and understanding children are to newcomers and those with SEND. Around a third of our regular attendees have either diagnosed or are in the process of diagnosis with things like autism, ADHD or sensory processing disorder. This means they need additional support during the session to access activities and to help regulate themselves.
Many of these children don’t access any other provision as they cannot meet their needs.
17 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Our Response to the Cost of Living Crisis
We have continued to provide a
4600 hot free hot meal for every child meals attending our After School Club provided thanks again to funding from Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and donations from SVP and Wythenshawe 409[th] Scouts Group and Summer’s Mission.
The impact
We recently asked the parents of the children attending for some feedback on what difference the provision of hot meals makes to them - 84% reported they were ‘Extremely’ happy with the hot meal provided.
We also asked if parents would be able to afford to pay for this provision if we didn’t have funding - 53% said they would not, with a further 20% saying only sometimes 46% parents said there was a high risk their child would not have a hot meal if they did not get one at the afterschool club. Comments from parents included:
“ As I am struggling it is hard to get by including the food bill. This service helps me so much.”
“Club is fantastic, this club helps so much with childcare so I can work and earn more”
“Couldn’t afford to feed my kids (without it)”
“Children will only get fed when mum home, dad unable to cook.” “The afterschool club is a life saver. It helps me out massively” “Child has autism and thrives off routine and structure and having hot food makes her happy and content”
“The team at the Family Centre go above and beyond for all the children who attend, Thank you”
The children love getting their hot meal at afterschool club and are excited to come in, always asking ‘what’s’ for tea?”. The benefits are not just financial. Mealtimes are a real highlight and a great chance for the children tell us about their day. This helps them to build social skills and allows them space to talk about the things that are important to them. They love writing out the week’s menu on our chalkboard and getting involved in the preparation (and cleaning up!) of meals.
Our Family Centre Social runs every Friday morning and is open to all the local community to drop in for a free warm drink, hot breakfast and a warm welcome, as well as advice and support. We invite other agencies to come in and share
18 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
information with our families and also offer emergency food packages and food bank referrals.
Community Corner – In November we received a large donation of winter coats for children and adults through the Rotary Club Wrap Up campaign to distribute to families in need. This went down so well that we started to develop a Community Corner – a free community ‘shop’ where preloved clothes and toys can be taken by families in need.
Independent research
In addition to the above we have recently had some independent research carried out by MBA students at Alliance Manchester Business School for their non-profit consultancy project. The report is looking at the impact of the work of the whole centre and how it meets community need. They have identified the provision of hot meals as a major asset that is viewed by beneficiaries and external stakeholders as key to our impact on “mitigating the challenges from the increasing cost of living through its programmes.”
19 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
2023/24 supporters
Of course none of the work outlined above would be possible without the funding and support provided by a wide variety of funders, businesses and individuals and we offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following organisations and individuals who have helped us make such a difference to children and families this year.
Corporate supporters
NG Bailey
Radisson Blu Manchester Airport
Award Marketing
SSP UK - The Food Travel Experts
Grant Funders
The National Lottery Community Fund – Reaching Communities
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
Manchester Active
Manchester City Council
‘In Kind’ Donations of time, products or services
The Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
Manchester Libraries
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
The Growth Company
Inspire/Gunner Cooke
MACE
20 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Manchester Airport Community Engagement team
409[th] Scouts Wythenshawe SVP Wythenshawe Costain and partners
Holiday Inn Manchester Airport
We would also like to thank Sue Weighell of Delta Solutions for providing her accountancy services.
In addition, we are indebted to the United Reformed Church (North West) Trust for granting us the continued use of our premises without charge.
21 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Financial Review
The Trustees review the financial position of the charity as part of the regular Trustee meetings and are satisfied that the income of the fund is sufficient to meet annual operating expenditure.
Results for the year
Incoming resources were £214,001 and total expenditure was £226,039 There was a reduction in funds of £12,038.
Where do our funds come from?
Income of £214,001….
How do we spend our money? Expenditure of £226,039…..
----- Start of picture text -----
Staff costs . Office costs / Finance costs
----- End of picture text -----
22 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Reserves Policy
As required by the Charity Commission the Trustees have adopted the following reserves policy:
-
We will maintain the sum of £12,000, or such amount as is determined from time to time by the Management Committee, as a contingency fund (designated reserve) for the sole purpose of bridging a gap in the receipt of funding income.
-
In addition to the above sum we will recognise as a restricted reserve at the end of our financial year any income, received by us for the purpose of funding a specific post, activity or expense, to the extent that the income has not been used for that purpose during the year.
-
Subject to meeting the ongoing expenditure needs of the organisation we will aim to maintain our unrestricted funds at a level equivalent to six months' worth of current running costs.
Finally, for the avoidance of doubt the Trustees confirm that at the year end:
-
no restricted funds are in deficit
-
no funds were held by the Trustees as Custodian Trustees.
23 | P a g e
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Ltd: Report and Accounts 2023-24
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
In the attached accounts set out on pages 26 to 33, the Trustees have prepared financial statements for the period up to 31 March 2024. In preparing such statements the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the Foundation will continue in its operational existence.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at the time the financial position of the Foundation and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Foundation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The report was approved by the trustees on ____ and signed on its IZ | [2] 2024 | behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
___ ___
Christine Greenhalgh Sarah Lynch
Christine Greenhalgh Sarah Lynch
Chair Chair Trustee Trustee
----- End of picture text -----
24 | P a g e
Independent Examiner's Report
| Report to the trustees/members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages ~~a~~ |
Wythenshawe Community Initiative Limited 31 March 2024 Charity No 1121682 26 to 33 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2024 ~~po~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~po~~ |
|---|---|
| ~~a~~ | |
| ~~a~~ | As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the |
| accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 | |
| (“the Act”). | |
| Responsibilities and basis of report | I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out |
| under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I | |
| have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission | |
| under section 145(5)(b)of the Act. | |
| I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have | |
| come to my attention in connection with the examination. | |
| Independent examiner's statement | I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection |
| with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in | |
| order to enable aproper understandingof the accounts to be reached. | |
| Signed: | Date: |
| Name: Relevant professional qualification: |
John Bate FCCA Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ~~ |
| Address: | 74 Ashton Road, Woodhouses, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 9WL ~~pO~~ |
25| Page
Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
2020
2019
Statement of Financial Activites for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Income from charitable activities 2 Donations and legacies 4 Other trading activities 5 Income from investments 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
141,639 68,568 - 210,206 195,795 1,915 1,880 - 3,795 8,102 - - - - 120 - - - - - |
| 143,553 70,448 - 214,001 204,017 166,233 59,806 - 226,039 218,414 |
|
| 166,233 59,806 - 226,039 218,414 (22,679) 10,642 - (12,038) (14,397) 9,699 (9,699) - - - (12,980) 942 - (12,038) (14,397) (14,916) 5,125 12,000 2,209 16,606 |
|
| (27,896) 6,067 12,000 (9,829) 2,209 |
26| Page
Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | 8 | 2 | 2 | |
| Current Assets | ||||
| Debtors | 9 | 7,346 | 10,764 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 7,039 | 13,341 | ||
| 14,385 | 24,105 | |||
| Current Liabilities | ||||
| Creditors and accruals | 10 | 24,216 | 21,898 | |
| Net current assets | (9,831) | 2,207 | ||
| Net assets | (9,829) | 2,209 | ||
| The funds of the charity | ||||
| Designated funds | 11 | 12,000 | 12,000 | |
| Restricted income funds | 12 | 6,067 | 5,125 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | (27,896) | (14,916) | |
| Total charity funds | (9,829) | 2,209 |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2016 With respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the trustees on __________ and signed on its behalf by
_________ Christine Greenhalgh Christine Greenhalgh Chair Chair
----- Start of picture text -----
_________
Sarah Lynch Sarah Lynch
Trustee Trustee
----- End of picture text -----
27| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
1) Accounting policies
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are the directors named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity.
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Charity reported net outgoing funds of £12,038 in the year, with total charity funds being (£9,829). The trustees are of the view that 2023/24 will see a return to a positive fund flow, with an improvement in overall charity funds, this is supported by year to date Management accounts, and the ongoing work to secure new funding
As a result of all the above the Trustees consider the going concern basis to be appropriate.
c) Income Recognition
Income from grants and donations is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from creche facilities is recognised as earned as the related services are provided.
Interest receivable on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
d) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements, including the independent examiner’s fees and legal costs.
e) Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged so as ro write down the value of the assets over their expected useful lives at the following rates:
Computer equipment - 20% per annum straight line
Office equipment - 20% per annum straight line
28| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
f) Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
g) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand and deposits with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or the date of opening the deposit or similar account.
h) Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amounts after allowing for any trade discounts due.
i) Fund Accounting
Funds held by the Charity can be one of:
i) Unrestricted general funds – which can be used in accordance with the Foundation’s objects at the discretion of the Trustees;
ii) Designated funds- which are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects; or
iii) Restricted funds – which are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Foundation. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further details of each fund are shown in notes 11,14 and 16.
29| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
2) Income from charitable activities
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Referral fees Contact fees Toddler Group Voluntary contributions Playscheme fees PL Playscheme EY Stepping Stones Play Group fees Grants Mobile creche PL ASC TNL Bright Sparks Early years funding (Local authority) Total |
- - - - - - 478 478 712 800 800 1,200 46,160 46,160 30,500 - - 2,074 2,074 6,551 35,624 - 35,624 35,522 47,857 47,857 38,275 - - 50,337 50,337 56,611 8,646 18,231 26,877 26,424 |
| 141,639 68,568 - 210,206 195,795 |
|
| 0 0 0 |
3) Investment income
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| None received Total |
- - - - - |
| - - - - - |
4) Donations
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Donations Total |
1,915 1,880 3,795 8,102 |
| 1,915 1,880 - 3,795 8,102 |
5) Other trading activities
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Rent received Total |
- - 120 |
| - - - - 120 |
30| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
6) Expenditure on from charitable activities
| Notes | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds Total funds Prior Period Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Staff costs Staff training Rates Insurance Repairs and maintenance Light and heat Operating lease payments Cleaning and gardening Equipment Postage and stationery Bank charges Audit and accountancy Legal expenses Telephone Subscriptions Publicity and advertising Travel Activities and trips Sundry Refreshments Training Hardship vouchers Interest paid Total |
130,650 50,709 181,359 170,100 609 51 660 - 441 37 478 8,158 2,433 205 2,638 2,685 1,431 120 1,552 924 7,036 592 7,629 5,605 - - - - 327 27 354 654 3,347 966 4,313 6,828 1,189 121 1,309 1,443 363 45 408 418 1,722 145 1,867 3,236 - 847 847 - 3,564 375 3,939 3,575 511 43 554 432 - - - - 111 296 407 261 5,735 4,305 10,040 7,603 309 26 335 25 5,425 710 6,135 3,376 - 14 14 189 1,024 170 1,194 2,902 6 1 7 1 |
| 166,233 59,806 - 226,039 218,414 |
|
| 0 0 0 |
7) Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging
| 2024 2023 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Independent examination Total |
540 540 540 |
| 540 - - 540 540 |
8) Fixed Assets
| Office Computer Total Equipment Equipment £ £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Cost At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 Net book value At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 |
691 2,194 2,885 |
| 690 2,193 2,883 |
|
| 1 1 2 |
31| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
9) Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2024 2023 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Prepayments and trade debtors Total |
7,346 10,764 |
| 7,346 10,764 |
10) Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2024 2023 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Accruals and deferred income Pension and Paye/Nic due Trade creditors Total |
3,037 2,568 18,559 18,529 2,597 715 |
| 24,192 21,812 |
11) Statement of funds
| Brought forward Incoming resources Resources expended Transfer between funds Carried forward £ £ £ £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total |
12,000 - - - 12,000 5,125 70,448 (59,806) (9,699) 6,067 (14,916) 143,554 (166,233) 9,699 (27,896) |
| 2,209 214,001 (226,039) - (9,829) |
12) Restricted funds
| NIF Equipment Building Fund EY SS - LA Funding FS BF TNL RC Total £ £ £ £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Brought forward Income Expenditure Transfers from other funds Carried forward |
4,125 1,000 - - 5,125 - 1,880 18,231 50,337 70,448 (76) (862) (8,532) (50,337) (59,805) - - (9,699) - (9,699) |
| 4,049 2,018 - - 6,068 |
32| Page
Notes to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024
13) Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses and cost of key management personnel
| 2024 2023 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Wages and salaries including social security Pension costs Total |
175,885 162,081 5,473 8,019 |
| 181,359 170,100 |
No employee had employee benefits in excess of £60,000
The Charity’s Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from the Charity or its subsidiary during the year. The trustees were not reimbursed any expenses by the Charity during the year. No trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the Charity.
The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the Trustees. The employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were Nil.
14) Staff numbers
| 2024 2023 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Number of employees Total |
15 14 |
| 15 14 |
15) Designated reserves
The balance on the designated reserve represents amounts set aside to cover salaries (for one month) in the event of a gap in the receipt of grants
16) Related party transactions
The Company has a wholly owned subsidiary, Planet Child’s Play Community Interest Company, which incorporated on 15 August 2013
One of the trustees (Ms C Greenhalgh) is a Director of Planet Child's Play
At the end of the year Planet Child's Play was owed £nil (2023:nil) by the charity
17) Post balance sheet events
The companies wholly owned subsidiary, Planet Child’s Play Community Interest Company, which incorporated on 15 August 2013 was dissolved on 4 June 2024. This has no financial impact on Wythenshawe Comminity Initiative Limited.
33| Page